Abstract

Aberrant central neurological functioning is believed to contribute to the abnormal sensations of fibromyalgia (FM). Most patients with FM complain of diminished cognitive function. This study sought to compare objective cognitive function between FM and healthy controls at baseline and to determine if symptomatic improvement was related to objective cognitive improvement. Automated neuropsychological assessment metrics (ANAM) was used to quantify neurocognitive function. Performance on ANAM was compared between subjects with FM, musculoskeletal pain, and pain-free controls. Ten separate FM subjects completed an 8-week comprehensive treatment program. Serial testing with ANAM and the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using repeated Wilcoxon signed rank tests. No differences were noted on ANAM between controls and subjects with pain disorders. A clinical improvement (FIQ median change 33.9, P = 0.002) was noted with treatment without concomitant change in ANAM scores. No cognitive impairment in FM was demonstrated using ANAM.

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Acknowledgments

The study group would like to acknowledge the efforts of Teresa Hunt, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Nancy Shaw, Physical Therapist, and Daniel Frisch, Neuroscience Research Associate for their efforts. This study would not have been possible without the grant support from the MedStar Research Institute and Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.